NFL receiver Jack Bech returned to his alma mater to host the inaugural Seven to Heaven youth football camp on Saturday morning.
The St. Thomas More graduate welcomed 150 kids to Cougar Stadium for a fun-filled event that included counselors such as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Maason Smith. All three played for Ĵý.
"The platform that God and my brother (the late Tiger Bech) have given me," Bech said, "lets me come back and give back to the kids of the community, but most importantly to spread the good news of our almighty savior Jesus Christ."
The No. 7 worn at STM and Princeton University by Jack's older brother, Tiger Bech - killed in a 2025 New Year's Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans - has been painted on the STM football field with an orange hashmark outlining the memoriam.
"I want to spread my brother's name and make sure his legacy lives on," Bech said. "It's special knowing every time people come to the stadium, they'll ask, 'What's the No. 7 for? What's the meaning of that?'
"His story and name will always be spoken. People will be able to tell the story of my brother."
Bech was moved by his NFL friends and other counselors participation at the camp.
"The fact that they - and all my friends - made the effort to be here for this special event means a lot," he said. "It shows who they are as people and humans. That's why I surround myself with people like this.
"When you have guys that do things like this, it shows how close the friendship is."
Bech, who played at Ĵý before concluding his college career at TCU ahead of a second-round NFL draft selection by the Las Vegas Raiders, plans to make the camp a yearly event.
"I want to grow it and build it," he said. "I'm excited to see where it goes."
Smith was also a second-round pick (by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024). The 6-foot-5, 306-pounder, who was subsequently traded to the Falcons, is a Houma native.
"I'm supporting one of my best friends," Smith said, "being here for him. I hadn't seen him in a little bit since we played them this past year. I'm out here for Jack, Tiger, Mrs. Michelle, Mr. Marty...just being a good family friend."
Marty Bech, Jack's father, said his son's favorite non-football activity is playing golf in Las Vegas, which has a new football coach in Klint Kubiak, the former offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
"It was a great learning experience," Jack said of his rookie campaign, which saw him catch 20 passes for 224 yards, "I couldn't be more blessed to be in this spot, nor could I be more excited for Year 2.
"We have a new coaching staff, a new scheme, and a lot of great energy around the building. I couldn't be more excited to put on the Silver & Black for the state of Louisiana and my family, with the Lord and my brother being first."
Bech and the Raiders are in the same division as the Chiefs and Nussmeier, who was drafted in the seventh round this year.